Technology in the Classroom: Using Video Links to Enable Long Distance Experiential Learning

The experiential learning process is a method by which students learn from direct exposure to relevant applications within the discipline being taught. One way in which MIS students can benefit from experiential learning occurs when organizations in some way sponsor curricular outcomes. Sponsorship can range from classroom visits during which company representatives can provide students with perspectives on the duties and responsibilities of currently available jobs at their firm to complete participation in a particular course, which could include the assignment of a project, assistance in presenting the concepts to be studied and providing feedback on the results. For organizations located at some distance from the university, participation is generally minimal and may occur only once per year during recruiting visits. In this age of technological advancement, there is a wealth of opportunity for practitioners to play a much larger role in education and bring their experience and techniques directly to the classroom, regardless of their geographical separation from the students. Inexpensive video links can create a virtual classroom that encourages participation by organizations to take advantage of these opportunities; however, the technology is only a means to an end, which is to enhance technical education within an experiential learning framework. This paper discusses the issues that may arise in implementing a virtual classroom and the application of experiential learning in a virtual classroom that can benefit students